"It has taken time, that's for sure, but we have found excellent sites that we can farm to high standards at a price appropriate for producing CrossBarn," Bohlman said. "In addition, the focus of CrossBarn pinot noir is fruit, acidity and structure with a relatively small percentage of new oak."

What the uninitiated don't know about pinot noir is its versatile nature, Bohlman said.

"You can find pinots to suit almost any palate, from light to full-bodied, austere to rich and lush, etc.," Bohlman said. "Also, it's just so versatile with food — from mild duck and salmon preparations with lighter pinots to heartier, spicier preparations of pork and beyond with pinots of a richer style.

"Finally, it doesn't have to be difficult to understand. Just find one you like, pair it with food or not, and enjoy."

Bohlman, who studied at Cal Poly, just started working at CrossBarn this year.

Prior to that, she spent the last 15 years in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, making wine at Gainey Vineyard and Vina Robles as well as doing custom winemaking for brands from Napa to Monterey to Santa Barbara.

"It has taken time, that's for sure, but we have found excellent sites that we can farm to high standards at a price appropriate for producing CrossBarn," Bohlman said. "In addition, the focus of CrossBarn pinot noir is fruit, acidity and structure with a relatively small percentage of new oak."

What the uninitiated don't know about pinot noir is its versatile nature, Bohlman said.

"You can find pinots to suit almost any palate, from light to full-bodied, austere to rich and lush, etc.," Bohlman said. "Also, it's just so versatile with food — from mild duck and salmon preparations with lighter pinots to heartier, spicier preparations of pork and beyond with pinots of a richer style.

"Finally, it doesn't have to be difficult to understand. Just find one you like, pair it with food or not, and enjoy."

Bohlman, who studied at Cal Poly, just started working at CrossBarn this year.

Prior to that, she spent the last 15 years in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, making wine at Gainey Vineyard and Vina Robles as well as doing custom winemaking for brands from Napa to Monterey to Santa Barbara.